From the Archives​

100 Years of the Past Pupils' Association 

March 7 was exactly one hundred years since the establishment, under the patronage of Archbishop Mannix himself, of the Kilbreda Past Pupils’ Association. Being one of the earlier such groups, it came into existence through the dedication of a group of pioneer pupils, but was largely driven by Nell Cuddigan, who was then elected the inaugural President.

Fortunately for us, the minute book of that Association survived, although it only made its way back to Kilbreda in recent years, having been among some historical items in the Mitchell Street Convent, which was sold around five years ago. So very typically of that time, the first event organized by the group was a retreat. How times have changed!

Remembering that the enrolment for those early years was often in the vicinity of 40 pupils, it is staggering to see that so many returned. The three-day retreat included three Masses, Veneration of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary in the Oratory (where the front office is now), Benediction, lectures, sermons and confession. On the Monday evening the retreat concluded with a social gathering, high tea, music, song and dance.

Membership of the Association was set at five shillings annually and “it was moved and agreed to have a badge with a Brigidine coat of arms. Every member must have one, to be obtained through the committee” and that “any member who so desires may have a blazer (dark blue with coat of arms worked on pocket) at her own expense. £2/7/- or thereabouts, to be purchased through the committee”. It was also suggested that nuns who had been past pupils be made honorary members.  The committee was to meet on the second Wednesday of every month.

The past pupils were instrumental in a number of early initiatives, such as the creation of the first annual magazine called ‘Kilbreda’ in 1932, and in raising much needed funds for their alma mater during the depression when the sisters struggled financially, as did much of the population.

Annual reunions, dances and ‘gala nights’ were organized for many years and, as late as 75 years after the school opened, the Sunday afternoon reunions, held in the College grounds, commenced with Mass. A photo was taken of the 1979 reunion which includes my dear mother, sitting in the chapel waiting for the Mass to begin.

The past pupils gathered in honour of their beloved teachers on numerous occasions, such as the Golden Jubilees of Mothers Vincent Brennan in 1931 and Margaret Mary Bourke in 1962. A photo of the former gathering is included above.

The past pupils group fell by the wayside in a manner of speaking during the 1980s-90s. It was re-established in 1997, with the creation of the Stewardship Council, which included a past pupils’ group as one of its committees, under the leadership of Mrs Denise Leonard (née Morrissey), former pupil and staff member, who continues to lead the group today.

Damian Smith

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